Stage-Proof Beauty: How Pageant Queens Keep Their Makeup Fresh Under Pressure
Two trusted makeup artists reveal the prep, products, and pro secrets behind a flawless look that survives heat, stress, and tears.
You’ll never see a pageant queen with melting makeup onstage. Whether it’s on television or in real life, their beauty looks appear untouched: sculpted bases, immovable liner, and lush lips that stay pristine through hours of lighting, heat, and quick-changes. But what really goes into making pageant makeup last?
We spoke to two artists trusted by Miss Universe Philippines queens themselves Nix Soriano, whose clientele includes Rabiya Mateo, Celeste Cortesi, and Michelle Dee; and Gery Penaso, the veteran celebrity makeup artist behind Pia Wurtzbach’s signature glam, to learn the backstage-tested methods that hold up under pressure.
1. It starts with skin care, tailored to your skin type
“The one key secret is correct skin care,” Soriano says. That doesn’t mean blindly following TikTok trends. It’s about layering the right products based on your skin type. For oily skin, she recommends Clinique Moisture Surge, a lightweight hydrator, while dry skin types benefit from richer formulas like Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. Matching products to your needs is key to achieving a base that stays intact for hours.
Penaso echoes this: “You’ll start with a good skin care and good base,” he says, adding that a proper skin care and priming routine allows you to layer products thinly without caking. Each layer, before you set it with powder, you let it dry,” he shares.
2. Matte over dewy, always
While glowy skin has its moment in editorial beauty, both artists agree: stage makeup should be matte. Soriano says she would never recommend a dewy look on stage, especially if you have oily skin. “If your skin is super oily, and you do a dewy base, hindi siya tatagal kahit anong gawin mo,” she warns. She also warns against opting for a “shiny look” as it runs the risk of looking oily.
Matte products are for creating definition, according to Penaso. For lips, he recommends using matte lipstick and simply topping it with gloss if you want to make it shiny. For eyeshadow, he insists that matte finishes should be the priority. “Kasi that will define the shape and all,” he advises. But of course, matte doesn’t mean flat. Strategic highlights on the high points of the face give dimension without disrupting the overall finish. Penaso’s key tip? Balance. “You want to invest [in] both your matte and shimmer products,” he says.
3. Strategic product choices and professional tools
To make makeup sweat- and tear-resistant, pros don’t rely on just any setting spray. You want a locking spray with acrylates or polymers that form a film over the skin, Soriano explains. Her go-tos include Kryolan Fixing Spray and One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray. For local brands, she recommends trying GRWM Cosmetics Life-Proof Fixing Spray.
Her secret? She even uses facial antiperspirants like Mehron Skin Prep Pro and 3B Face Saver Antiperspirant Gel for Facial Perspiration to control shine before makeup begins.
As for foundation, Soriano leans on Estée Lauder Double Wear for high coverage or Make Up For Ever HD Skin for a more skin-like finish. Local favorites like products from Strokes Beauty Lab and GRWM Cosmetics also earn spots in her kit for their matte, long-wearing formulas.
4. Adjust for camera, not just stage
In the past, pageant glam focused on bold, stage-visible features, hence, the “thicker” and bolder makeup layers. But with the advent of HD livestreams and LED monitors, detail matters more than distance. Now, makeup is TV first, says Soriano. So it has to be well-blended and clean even on zoomed-in shots.
5. Analyze facial features and adjust makeup accordingly
Penaso always considers the facial features, and analyzes what would suit them better. He recalls evolving from dramatic matte black and thick eyeshadow to soft, brightening neutrals, especially when working with Pia Wurtzbach, whose face can look “matapang” if there’s too much makeup. They tried to balance it by aiming for a lighter, brighter, and more lifted look, he says.
Today’s trends, Penaso observes, fuse traditional pageant sculpting with Thai-inspired looks that incorporate glitters. “I really like how it transformed or evolved,” he shares.
6. Minimal touch-ups, maximum staying power
During the show, there’s almost always no time for a full redo, Soriano shares. “At most, [we] blot oil and change lipstick. That’s it for makeup.” That’s why prep and product selection matter more than backstage magic. Her tip? Don’t experiment on the day itself. Know your signature look and practice it beforehand.
Even when emotions run high, good products and smart applications can hold up. “When a girl starts to cry, that’s when I can say a good product matters,” she shares.
The winning formula
In an industry where every second is televised and every tear is documented, pageant makeup is no small feat. But as these experts prove, the secret lies not in thick layers, but in thoughtful prep, smart product choices, and a whole lot of practice.
Want to build your own pageant-proof kit? Start with a matte base, layer smartly, and don’t forget your locking spray. Because queens might cry—but their makeup never should.
